MILITARY SURVIVAL MANUAL:VOL 10

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
Mountain Warfare Training Center
Bridgeport, California 93517-5001
EVASION PLAN OF ACTION FORMAT
1. Individuals completing EPAs should not une the statement “PER SAR SPINS (Special
Instructions) as a substitute for this document. Such a statement fails to provide recovery
forces with the information required and provides no concrete data with which to plan a
recovery operation.
2. EPAs should contain the following minimum information. Inclusion of this prescribed
information into one document enhances operational effectiveness and precludes the
possibility that critical information might not be available in a time-sensitive situation. These
documents must be classified to at least the level of the operation order for the mission they
support. Paragraphs must be individually classified to the appropriate level.
a. Indentification
(1) Name and rank of each individual.
(2) Mission number, aircraft, or call sign.
b. Planned Route of Flight or Travel.
(1) Route points must be describe in the EPA for both ingress and egress.
(2) Describe inflight emergency plans for each leg of the mission.
c. Immediate Evasion Actions and/or Intentions for the First 48 hours, Uninjured (for
example):
(1) Hide near aircraft site or area of separation from unit (distance and heading).
(2) Evade alone or link-up with others at rally point.
(3) Travel plans (distance, duration or time, speed, and other such details).
(4) Intended actions and/or length of stay at initial hiding location.
d. Immediate Evasion Actions and/or Intentions, If Injured.
(1) Provide hiding intentions if injured.
(2) Provide evasion intentions if injured.
(3) Provide travel intentions if injured.
A-1
Appendix A
(4) Provide intended actions at hiding locations if injured.
e. Extended Evasion Actions and/or Intentions After 48 hours.
(1) Destination (SAFE, mountain range, coast, border, FEBA).
(2) Travel routes, plans, and/or techniques (either written and/or sketched).
(3) Actions and/or intentions at potential contact or recovery locations.
(4) Recovery/contact point signals, signs, and/or procedures (written out and/or
sketched).
(5) Back-up plans, if any, for the above.
3. The following information should be completed by appropriate communications and/or
signal, intelligence personnel and attached to the EPA.
a. Communications and Authentication.
(1) Codewords.
(2) Available communications and signaling devices.
(3) Primary communication schedule, procedures, and/or frequencies (first 48
hours and after 48 hours).
(4) Back-up communication schedule, procedures, and/or frequencies.
b. In addition to the above minimum required information, units may wish to include the
following optional information:
(1) Weapons and ammunition carried.
(2) Personal evasion kit items.
(3) Listing of issue survival and evasion kit items.
(4) Mission evasion preparation checklist
(5) Signature of reviewing official.
A-2
Appendix A
PME VIDEO GUIDED DISCUSSION
“THE EDGE”
BREAK AT THE FLIGHT TO FIND THE INDIAN
1. Discuss the bear threat, emphasize bivouac routine and food storage.
2. Discuss amount of available sunlight in northern latitudes (winter/summer).
3. Discuss book knowledge vs. skills.
4. Explain the Taiga Ecosystem and where it ranges in the world.
BREAK AFTER THE FIRST DAY
1. Discuss their “mind-set/attitude” at the cabin - childish & unprepared with no survival
kit.
2. What should their first concern be after the cold water immersion?
3. “Any one got matches?” - How did they stay dry?
4. What tinder did they have for their fire? Witches hair should have been used.
5. What priorities of work did they accomplish?
BREAK AT THE NIGHT FIRE
1. “Die of shame”, what natural reaction to stress does it relate to?
2. Watch method/improvised compass - problems for survival navigation.
3. Why was it a good decision to travel?
4. What should they have done prior to traveling?
5. Group survival - Point out how as a group, the weak became strong when they
formulated a plan together & how the weak became strong when tasked.
BREAK AT THE HELO FLYING OVER
B-1
Appendix B
1. Discuss the thatching job on their shelter.
2. Discuss commitment/courage about the bloody bandages. “What difference does it
make?”
3. Discuss snow storms in mountains at any time.
4. Discuss survival signaling - be prepared.
BREAK AFTER THE BEAR KILL
1. Discuss how they passed up enormous food sources.
-Reindeer moss
-Fish
2. Discuss how they should be thinking of long term survival prior to the onset of
winter.
3. Point out how bears run straight through the woods.
4. Point out when a bear will charge: pawing back & forth with head swaying side to
side.
5. Point out that man will not out run a bear.
6. Explain that a mauled survivor was only disciplined by the bear.
DISCUSS AT THE END OF THE MOVIE
1. How tools became important.
2. The feasibility of digging large pit traps.
3. How Anthony Hopkins sat & thought prior to making a decision - “Undue haste
makes waste”.
4. How realistic the amount of bough would create the amount of smoke generated.
5. Discuss finally how knowledge comes first, but knowledge without skills is useless!
B-2
Appendix B
SURVIVAL QUICK REFERENCE CHECKLIST
1. IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
a. Assess immediate situation...THINK BEFORE YOU ACT!
b. Take action to protect yourself from NBC hazards.
c. Seek concealment.
d. Assess medical condition; treat as necessary.
e. Sanitize uniform of potentially compromising information.
f. Sanitize area, hide equipment you are leaving.
g. Apply camouflage.
h. Move away from initial site using patrolling techniques.
I. Use terrain to advantage; cover, concealment, and communication advantage.
j. Find a rally point with the following:
-Cover and concealment.
-Safe distance from enemy positions and Lines of Communication (LOCs).
-Multiple avenues of concealed escape routes.
-Has locations for LPs and OPs.
-Protection from the elements.
-Near a reliable water and fuel source.
-Location for possible communication/signaling opportunities.
2. RALLY POINT
a. Establish security: treat injuries, inventory equipment, improve camouflage.
b. Assess Commanders Intent IAW ability to execute mission.
c. Determine level of combat effectiveness.
d. Develop a course of action using METT-TSL; establish priorities.
e. Execute course of action...stay flexible!
3. MOVEMENT
a. Travel slowly and deliberately.
b. Do not leave evidence of travel, use noise and light discipline.
c. Stay away from LOCs.
d. Use standard patrolling techniques.
C-1
Appendix C
S - Size up the situation, surroundings, physical condition, & equipment.
U - Undue haste makes waste.
R - Remember where you are.
V - Vanquish fear and panic.
I - Improvise & Improve.
V - Value living.
A - Act like the natives.
L - Live by your wits, but for now, Learn Basic Skills.
4. CHANCE CONTACT
a. Only engage the enemy with reasonable chance of success.
b. Use METT-TSL for all engagements.
c. Break contact for all unfavorable engagements.
5. COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
a. Communicate per theater communication procedures, particularly when
considering transmitting in the “blind”.
b. Be prepared to use signaling devices on short notice.
c. Execute signaling per mission order.
6. RECOVERY OPERATIONS
a. Select site(s) IAW mission order.
b. Ensure site is free of hazards and enemy.
c. Select best area for communications and signaling devices.
d. Observe site for proximity to enemy activity and LOCs.
e. Follow recovery force instructions.
C-2
Appendix C
ANIMAL HABITS
(1) Coyote and Wolf. Coyotes and wolves often run in family groups,
especially in the early part of the season. When a littermate is caught,
normally other coyotes will return to the set site, so reset traps in the
same area. They are inquisitive, so you want them to smell and see.
Generally they run 3-25 square mile territories, even larger during
periods of rough weather. They will move and congregate around a
good food source until it has been eaten. Some years, natural food
abundance will have them working one species and showing little
interest for other foods and baits. Look at fresh scat and select baits on
what they are eating. Coyotes are found at every elevation and habitat
type in North America while wolves are restricted to northwestern
states. At higher elevations during deep winter snows, coyotes will
move to lower elevations with the deer, elk, and livestock, although
some will tough it out in the deep snow.
(2) Fox. Gray, Red, Prairie Swift, and Desert Kit foxes are found
throughout the U.S. Grays are found in pinion-juniper, cedar, oak
brush, canyon bottoms and hogbacks, cottonwood draws and edges
where these meet. The Red Fox is found in irrigated agricultural lands
along the bases of mountain ranges and prairie rivers, in the high
mountain parks and alpine. The Prairie Swift Fox is found in the
prairie states of this country. The desert kit fox is found in the
southwestern corner states. Both of these species are vary curious. Fox
habits are very much like the coyote.
(3) Bobcat and Lynx. Bobcats are generally found in the west while
Lynx are found in the northwestern states. They compete with coyotes
and sometimes are preyed on by coyotes. Their territory is generally
two square miles. They den in rock caves, deadfalls, hollow trees and
logs. They are sight hunters and use their eyes and ears more than the
sense of smell. They prefer to kill their own food and avoid rotten
carrion. Bobcat can be “pulled” to an area by curiosity lures. They
often avoid large open space.
(4) Raccoon and Opossum. They are located throughout the U.S. They
like a combination of water, old mature trees, buildings and junk piles,
and a consistent food supply like grain or prepared feed.
(5) Ring-tailed Cat. They inhabit watercourses where rocky canyons or
broken rock, erosion holes and rough terrain occurs. They are found in
the western states. Old timers talk of ringtails being fairly abundant
prior to the expansion of the raccoon range and densities during and
after WWII. It is possible that raccoons have replaced the ringtail in
much of its former habitat.
Appendix-D 1
(6) Badger. They are found from above the timberline to the lowest
elevation in the west. They apparently do not tolerate high densities
and generally there are only 3-4 per square mile while running 1-3
square miles. They prefer rodents but take carrion, fruit, insects, roots
and grain. They hole up for long periods during extremely cold
weather, moving just before and after severe weather systems. These
animals can be tracked to dens and snared in the den. They often
inhabit prairie dog towns.
(7) Skunk. Three species are found in the west: striped, spotted, and
hognose. Skunks are located just about everywhere. Their musk is a
prized ingredient for lures.
(8) Weasel. Two species of weasels occur in most of the west: the
ermine or short-tailed, and the long-tailed. They prefer meat and
blood, although sometimes they are caught on peanut butter. Their
body shape is adapted for living and pursuing their prey on the prey’s
own territory, burrows, tunnels, and runways. They have ferocious
appetites and will tackle grouse, rabbits, ducks, and squirrels. They are
inquisitive and can’t pass up examining cavities, knot holes, and
burrow entrances.
(9) Marten. Marten are found in the upper montane and subalpine zones
above 8,000 feet. They generally don’t venture far from the escape
cover of trees. They live on squirrels, rabbits, voles, deer mice, grouse
and other small birds and mammals. There may be as many as 3-5 per
square mile. They like fresh kidney, heart, liver, and spleen for baits.
(10) M ink. They are found in suitable water habitat or marshy ground with
good bank development and undisturbed wetlands vegetation. They
feed on fish, crustaceans, clams, and small mammals and birds. They
will general travel along the stream bank.
(11) B eaver. They are found in almost all water with cottonwood, aspen,
or willow trees. Peak activity of beaver is from September to freeze-up
when they are repairing dams, lodges and building food caches. There
will usually be slides from the water to cutting areas of trees. Their
castor is an excellent additive to lure.
(12) M uskrat. They are found in springs, dugouts, dams, and permanent
pools on intermittent streams, rivers, and irrigation ditches, mountain
lakes and beaver ponds. Their dens are usually below the water line
and into the bank.
(13) B lack Bear. They are found throughout North America. The female
generally has one or two cubs during the winter hibernation. Survival
of the cubs is good since they benefit from at least a year of parental
Appendix-D 2
care. Sows have litters every other year and will not produce cubs until
2 or 3 years of age. They are omnivorous in their feeding, taking what
is available such as insects, rodents, berries, roots, fish, and carrion.
They are inquisitive. Their color can range from black, brown,
cinnamon, to golden.
(14) M ountain Lion. In colonial America the mountain lion, painter,
panther, catamount, or cougar was found throughout the U.S. Much of
their disappearance was due to the clearing of forests and land-use
changes as development progressed. They have litters of 1-6 kittens,
averaging 2-3 normally. These are generally born in late winter and
early spring. Dens are generally caves in rocky country, hollow logs,
windfall trees and various cavities that provide protection from
weather. Males can weigh up to 276 pounds and 175 pounds for
females. They have tremendous strength with reports of mature lions
carrying full-grown deer up cliffs, moving 650-pound cattle, and
carrying adult elk for long distances. They prefer to kill their own food
and disdain soured and decaying carrion. Kills are deep scratches and
gouges on the neck and shoulders, bites and scratches around the neck,
face and eyes. The skin is peeled back and the blood rich liver, spleen,
kidneys, and lungs are eaten first. The muscle tissue is gnawed from
the bones. The lion will normally scratch dirt and plant material over
the kill, leave it and return for a future meal.
(15) R abbits and Hares. There are numerous species located throughout
North America with the Cottontail, Black-Tailed Jack, and the whitetailed
Jack being located in our training area. During winter months,
they will feed on aspen and willow twigs.
Appendix-D 3
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
Mountain Warfare Training Center
Bridgeport, California 93517-5001
TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
If the need arises to implement survival skills in a semi-permissive or non-permissive
environment the Marine must be able to utilize basic skills, as referenced in the Marine Battle
Skills Handbook Pvt – Lcpl, in order to avoid making contact with hostile personnel.
Unfortunately, the enemy will not consider your MOS when deciding whether or not you should
be captured or killed. It is imperative that every Marine live up to statement – “every Marine
is a basic rifleman.”
To discuss every possible survival scenario and enemy situation would be pointless. The
following outline is to be utilized as a guide. Common sense and survival skills, along with
these considerations, will increase your chances of avoiding capture or possible death.
A. Apply the key word survival (ICBT – 20.01) (PVTX.14.16)
1. Size up the situation:
 Mission
What was the mission?
Can the mission still be accomplished?
 Enemy
What is the enemy situation?
 Troops and Fire Support available
Do you have communications with higher?
Is anyone injured? How will they be transported?
How will you communicate with other Marines in your group?
Arm and Hand signals?
 Terrain and Weather
Do you have a map?
Does the terrain offer cover and concealment?
Where is the water?
Do you have protection from the elements?
Is it advantageous to move in current weather?
Will you move in daytime or evening temperatures?
How much illumination is available at night?
 Time, Space, and Logistics
Is it day or night?
Time Distance Formula
What kind of supplies and equipment are available?
2. Undue haste makes waste:
 Should you stay or move from your current position.
E-1
Appendix E
 “Slow is Smooth – Smooth is Fast” i.e. Is there a need to run to the
SAFE or should the requirements of survival be implemented in
route? Security is paramount -is it being sacrificed for speed?
3. Remember where you are:
 Are you in a non-permissive environment?
 What is the terrain like?
 Can you utilize land navigation skills?
4. Vanquish fear and panic:
 Are good decisions being made?
 Is the group completely lost and leaderless?
 BAMCIS
5. Improvise and improve:
 Do you have your survival kit?
 Are litters available or do you have to improvise?
 Do you have the resources to obtain food and water?
 Will your supplies and equipment protect you from the elements?
 Will your supplies and equipment protect you from the enemy?
6. Value living:
 Do you want to lay on your back and put your legs in the air like a dead
cockroach?
7. Act like the natives:
 Observe native habits.
8. Live by your wits, but for now learn basic skills:
 Utilize common sense and basic Marine Corps training.
 Practice skills learned at MWTC.
 Prior planning prevents poor performance.
 Establish E and R plan, brief personnel of contingencies.
B. Additional Individual Training Standards:
 Employ signaling devices (ICBT – 20.03)
 Construct and maintain a fire (ICBT – 20.04)
 What is the tactical situation?
 Prepare a survival kit (ICBT 20.05) (PVTX.14.15)
 Maintain the M16A2 service rifle. (PVTX.11.1)
 Prepare individual equipment for tactical operations. (PVTX.14.1)
 Camouflage self and individual equipment. (PVTX.14.7)
 Transport casualties using manual carries and improvised stretchers.
(PVTX.17.4)
 Maintain physical fitness. (PVTX.20.1)
 Perform individual movement. (PVTX.14.2)
 Participate in a security patrol. (PVTX.13.1)
E-2
Appendix E
 Arm and hand signals.
 Challenge and pass / near and far recognition.
 Rally points.
 Actions on enemy contact
 Security halts.
 Reconnaissance of objectives.
 5 Point Contingency Plan. (GOTWA)
 Going (where)
 Others (who is going with you)
 Time away.
 What happens (you and them)
 Actions taken on enemy contact (you and them)
 React to enemy indirect fire. (PVTX.14.3)
 React to enemy direct fire. (PVTX.20.1)
C. Additional Considerations:
When sizing up the situation you will determine whether the Mission or Cmdr’s
Intent can be accomplished. Obviously, every effort must be made to accomplish the
mission. If it can not be accomplished a separate mission order must be established
for the group. (i.e. At 0900 the group will implement the requirements for survival in
order to move to the SAFE for recovery.)
In order to tactically move and occupy the SAFE, the group must be task organized
into teams. The teams are assigned additional tasks. Team tasks will usually be
accomplished during occupation of the patrol base. In addition, individuals within the
group are assigned tasks.
1. Teams:
 Security. All patrol members should be assigned sectors of fire to include air
sentry.
 Reconnaissance.
 Assault. (may not be implemented)
 Support. (may not be implemented)
2. Team Tasks:
 Water procurement.
 Food gathering.
 Wood gathering. (construction materials, signal, and fire wood.)
 Shelter construction.
 Pathguards.
 Signaling
3. Individual Tasks:
 Point man.
 Navigator.
 Patrol leader and assistant.
E-3
Appendix E
 Flank (left and right) security.
 Two pace men.
 Tail end charlie.
In a survival situation it is probably wiser to occupy the patrol base through
reconnaissance instead of by force. Upon initial occupation the acronym SAFE
(Security, Automatic weapons, Fields of fire, Entrenchment) must be enforced.
The patrol base should only be entered (or exited) from one location.
Communication within the group is essential. Everyone must be well informed.
(i.e. current plans, alternate patrol bases or rally points, how many Marines have
departed the patrol base and when are they expected to return, current challenge
and pass, and near and far recognition signals.) No Marine will exercise their
judgement and leave the patrol base or perform a task without permission from
the patrol leader.
The patrol base is not a place for lollygagging. It is a place where noise and light
discipline is enforced and security is maintained continuously. Priorities of work
will be established after occupation. (i.e. weapon maintenance, hygiene, chow,
and rest plans) Security or reconnaissance teams can be sent out to determine
enemy threat or gather information for route selection. These patrols can also be
tasked with gathering firewood or some other routine task. However, security
must be maintained while the firewood is being collected.
Since you are probably evading the enemy, activity in and around the patrol base
must be limited. Occupation of the patrol base must not exceed 24 hours.
Depending on the tactical situation the use of fire may or may not be appropriate.
D. Conclusion:
The above information servers as a guideline. Survival is a thinking person’s
challenge between life and death. As the situation changes a Marine must adapt, size
up the situation, and implement a new plan in order to survive. If you are lacking in
any of the Individual Training Standards it is your responsible to take corrective
action. Remember that every Marine is a basic rifleman.
E-4
Appendix E
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
Mountain Warfare Training Center
Bridgeport, California 93517-5001
WINTER MOUNTAIN SURVIVAL COURSE
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION RECAP SHEET
1. The student must satisfactorily achieve an 80% or higher grade on either the written test or the
written retest.
2. The student must satisfactorily master 10 out of the 12 performance evaluation tasks.
3. A breach of integrity, conduct unbecoming of a student or the inability to abide by Survival course
guidelines, will result in the immediate dismissal from the Mountain Survival Course.
4. All of the above must be accomplished prior to successful graduation from the Mountain Survival
Course.
5. Failure to accomplish any one these will result in a Proficiency Board, which may result in
dismissal from the course.
6. There will be no talking to any student during isolation unless an emergency. No student will
come with in 50 meters of another student.
P ERFORMANCE TASK M --N/M REMARKS
All criteria listed below each task, must be accomplished in order to master those tasks.
1. SURVIVAL KIT (MSV.2.2) M / NM
Fire starting items
Water procurement items
Food procurement items
Signaling items
First Aid items
Shelter items
2. SURVIVAL NAVIGATION (MSV.2.7) M / NM
Can find cardinal directions
Prepares and maintains a log book
Uses steering marks
Appropriate place
F-1
Appendix F
3. BOW & DRILL (MSV.2.13a) M / NM
Bow
Drill
Socket
Fire Board
Ember Patch
Birds Nest
Kindling
Fuel Wood
4. SURVIVAL SHELTERS (MSV.2.4) M / NM
Protection from the elements
Heat retention
Ventilation
Drying facility
Free from hazards
Shelter stable
5. REQUIREMENTS FOR SURVIVAL (MSV.2.1) M / NM
1st 24Hrs.
Shelter
Fire
Water
Signaling
2nd 24Hrs.
Tools & Weapons
Traps & Snares
Path guards
6. IMPROVISED SIGNAL DEVICE (MSVX.2.6) M / NM
Smoke Generator
Appropriate Size
Tinder
Kindling
Placement
Aflame within 90 seconds
International Symbol
Shadows
Size
Placement
Contrast
F-2
Appendix F
7. TOOLS & WEAPONS (MSV.2.11) M / NM
Bowl
Wood split
Bark stripped
Coal burned
4inch deep, 4 inch diameter
Does not leak
Simple Club
Hardwood used
Bark stripped
Fire hardened (if required)
Club functional
Rounded ends
8. TOOL OR WEAPON (MSV.2.11) M / NM
Hardwood used
Bark stripped
Fire hardened (if required)
Functional able
One of the three following will be made: Ice spud, Ice skimmer, Slingshot
9. FISH & GAME (MSV.2.10) M / NM
Dress and/or skin game
Prepared game for consumption
Consumed game
Hide fleshed, brained, and smoked
Hide sewn and suitable for intended uses
10. TRAPS & SNARES (MSV.2.9) M / NM
Employment tech. appropriate for intended animal
a. Location
b. Presentation
c. Construction
Loop size and ground clearance correct
Bait used
Split stick if required
11. EXPIDIENT SNOWSHOE (WSVX) M / NM
Properly constructed
Properly attached
Execute movement tech.
Binding does not fail (3times)
Snowshoe does not break
F-3
Appendix F
12. PATHGUARD (MSV.2.9) M / NM
Likely avenue of approach
Produces noise
Concealed
Appropriate tactical distance from the shelter
F-4
Appendix F
F-5
Appendix F
F-6
Appendix F